Minecraft Let players on different Minecraft versions join your server by installing ViaVersion. This is useful when a new Minecraft version releases and some players have updated while others haven’t, or when you want to keep your server on a stable version without forcing everyone to match.
Which Plugins You Need
ViaVersion is a family of three plugins. Which ones you install depends on the direction of compatibility you need.
| Plugin | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ViaVersion | Lets newer clients join an older server | 1.21 players join a 1.20.4 server |
| ViaBackwards | Lets older clients join a newer server (requires ViaVersion) | 1.20 players join a 1.21 server |
| ViaRewind | Extends ViaBackwards support to legacy versions 1.8-1.12 (requires both) | 1.8 players join a 1.21 server |
Installation
- Download the plugins you need:
- ViaVersion (always required)
- ViaBackwards (if you want older clients to join)
- ViaRewind (only if you need 1.8-1.12 support)
- Stop your server
- Upload the JAR files to the
plugins/folder using the File Manager or SFTP - Start your server
No configuration is needed. ViaVersion works immediately after installation. Players on supported versions can connect without changing anything on their end.
Version Range
ViaVersion supports a wide range of Minecraft versions. After installing both ViaVersion and ViaBackwards, your server accepts clients from approximately 1.9 through the latest release (or 1.8+ if you also add ViaRewind).
The exact supported range depends on the ViaVersion build. Check the ViaVersion Hangar page for the current compatibility list.
Proxy Servers
If you’re running a proxy network (Velocity or BungeeCord), install ViaVersion on the proxy instead of on each backend server. This handles version translation in one place.
Download the correct platform build from the Hangar page and place it in the proxy’s plugins/ folder.
Keeping ViaVersion Updated
When a new Minecraft version releases, ViaVersion usually receives an update within a few days. Update the plugin JAR in your plugins/ folder to support the newest client version. You don’t need to update your server software itself, just the ViaVersion plugin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ViaVersion works on any Bukkit-based server including Paper, Spigot, and Purpur. It also has separate builds for Fabric, Velocity, and BungeeCord.
No. Blocks and items that don't exist in the player's client version are displayed as substitute blocks. For example, a 1.20 player on a 1.21 server might see new blocks as stone or purple placeholder blocks.
The performance impact is minimal. ViaVersion translates packets between protocol versions, which adds a small amount of processing per player but is negligible on most servers.
Only if you want players on older clients to join. If all your players are on the same version, you don't need it.